He started, and could not answer her.
"Cecil, dearest Cecil, my own, my best beloved!"
He was sobered in an instant.
But what could he do? To continue this scene was impossible; yet to undeceive her, to tell her that he loved her not! what man could do that?
"Why are you so silent?"
"I suffer horribly."
"From what?"
He beat his brow distractedly.
"Hester, .... you will curse me..... It is not my fault..... You ...."
"Do you not love me?" she almost shrieked.